The Ottawa Senators played their first dominating game of the season, beating the Atlan- no, the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 at Scotiabank Place. The line of Milan Michalek, Jason Spezza and Colin Greening combined for eight points and looked spectacular the entire night, passing accurately and keeping the pressure on Winnipeg’s defence. After the game, Senators coach Paul MacLean was quick to praise the line. “As a line they carried the bulk of the offence and they were a good line,” he said.
Craig Anderson surrendered just one goal after a barrage of 36 shots, looking comfortable and in control of his crease. Even against the lowly Jets, Ottawa played an excellent game.
But, there was a catch.
Peter Regin, who in the off-season underwent surgery on his left shoulder, had been having an excellent start to the season centring Ottawa’s second line. Using his speed to set-up his linemates, the former 2004 third-round pick had three points in five games. But midway through the first period, Jets forward Nik Antropov knocked Regin to the ice and re-injured his surgically repaired shoulder.
NHL.com reports that Regin will be re-evaluated tomorrow, but if he is to miss an extended period of time, Ottawa will be in trouble offensively. Look for rookie centre Mika Zibanejad, the Senators first of three opening round picks in the 2011 Entry Draft to assume second line duties should Regin miss any action. The young Swede hasn’t wowed anyone with his play thus far, but he also hasn’t been a defensive liability either. With the rookie nearing nine regular season games played, he must prove to GM Brian Murray he deserves a roster spot or risk being sent back to Sweden to finish his final year with Djurgardens.
The Senators continue their home stand tomorrow night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, one of the few teams behind Ottawa in the standings.